Juan Jose Ramos Medrano
Rare Vintage Juan Jose R Medrano Mexican Ceramic Sheep-Ram-Man Betus Nagual
Rare Vintage Juan Jose R Medrano Mexican Ceramic Sheep-Ram-Man Betus Nagual
Regular price
$ 339.99
Regular price
Sale price
$ 339.99
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Rare Vintage Colorful Sheep-Ram-Man Nagual. Made in the 1990's.
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This Betus/Nagual is 8 1/2" Tall.
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It is 8 1/4" long.
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It is 4 3/4" wide.
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Gorgeous Sheep-Ram with a Man's Face, Mustache and Hair complete this Betus/Nagual.
- These fantasy "Betus/Nagual are visions from the mind of internationally known Potter Juan Jose Medrano.
- Juan Jose Ramos Medrano is highly collectible in Mexico and though out the world.
- Juan José Ramos Medrano is the Grandson of Candelario Medrano. He works in his humble home creating the most incredible art pieces. He transforms the pliable clay into colorful creatures that are then coated with betus. Barro Betus (ceramics rubbed with birch oil extract).
- Juan José is not a prolific artist and often when you visit his home, he has very little to sell. However, when there is work available, you may happen upon a real treasure. He process begins with "tortillando" or kneading the clay into unique devils, lions, roosters, churches, trucks and Tastuanes (grotesque figures inspired by a local ceremonial dance). The kiln is readied and fires pieces created several days before. The pieces have to be dried in the open air before baking them or they will explode. The firing is done at a very low temperature compared to other types of ceramics. Each figure is rubbed with birch oil just before firing, giving them a lacquered appearance once finished.
- The origin of barro betus dates back to colonial times and is surrounded by myths. The most popular pieces of art are the colorful Nahual figures with the reputation of coming from a magical world. Nagua or Nahual (both pronounced [na'wal]) is a human being who has the power to magically turn himself or herself into an animal form, most commonly donkey, turkey and dogs, but also other and more powerful animals. The Nagual can then use his powers for good or for evil causes according to his personality. The common Mesoamerican belief of tonalism, that all humans have an animal counterpart to which their lifeforce is linked, also often intertwines with nagualism beliefs. In English the word is often translated as "transforming witch" but a translation without the negative connotations of the word "witch" would be "transforming trickster"
